International Driving Permit: Where You Need One and How to Get It
International Driving Permit (IDP) explained: which countries require one, whether EU licence holders need it, where to get it, and what happens if you drive without one.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your national driving licence into multiple languages. It does not replace your licence — you carry both. Most car rental companies will refuse to hand over keys in countries where an IDP is required if you cannot show one at pickup.
When you do NOT need an IDP
EU licence holders driving within the EU and EEA: EU driving licences are mutually recognised across all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. No IDP required.
UK licence holders driving in the EU: UK licences are accepted across the EU without an IDP for short-stay visits.
US licence holders driving in the USA and Canada: your state licence is valid across all US states and Canadian provinces. No IDP needed domestically.
When you DO need an IDP
| Destination | IDP required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Yes (non-EU) | Required for all non-Turkish licences |
| Morocco | Yes | Required; also need local insurance |
| Tunisia | Yes | Standard requirement |
| Jordan | Yes | Required at rental companies |
| Georgia | No | EU and US licences accepted without IDP |
| Armenia | No | EU licences accepted |
| Japan | Specific type required | 1949 Geneva Convention IDP only; 1968 Vienna type not accepted |
| Australia | Yes (recommended) | Not legally required in all states but rental companies often ask |
| New Zealand | Yes (recommended) | Same as Australia |
| South Africa | Yes | Required |
| Thailand | Yes | Required for legal driving and rental |
| UAE / Dubai | Yes (for some nationalities) | EU and US licences accepted; others need IDP |
| USA (for non-US drivers) | Recommended, not always required | Rental companies strongly recommend; legal requirement varies by state |
| Canada (for non-US drivers) | Recommended | Quebec specifically requires IDP for non-Canadian licences in some cases |
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Japan: the exception to know
Japan uses the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. Most countries issue the newer 1968 Vienna Convention IDP as standard. These are not interchangeable in Japan.
If you plan to drive in Japan, specifically request the 1949 Convention IDP from your national motoring association. If your country only issues the 1968 type, your IDP will not be accepted by Japanese police or rental companies.
USA: recommended but not universally required
The USA does not have a federal IDP requirement. State law varies:
- Most states accept a foreign national licence for tourist driving without an IDP
- Some rental companies in the USA require an IDP for non-US licence holders regardless of state law
- California, New York and Florida have large tourist rental markets — major companies at these airports generally accept EU licences without an IDP but may ask for one
The practical advice: carry an IDP when visiting the USA. They cost very little and take minutes to obtain. The alternative is arguing with a counter agent who refuses to issue a car.
Types of IDP and which to get
| Convention | Valid for | Accepted where |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 Vienna | 3 years | Most countries worldwide (except Japan) |
| 1949 Geneva | 1 year | Japan; also accepted most places 1968 is |
| 1926 Paris | 1 year | Legacy; rarely issued now |
When in doubt, get the 1968 Vienna type — it is the most widely accepted and has the longest validity. If Japan is on the itinerary, get both.
How to get an IDP
| Country | Where to apply | Cost (approx.) | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Post Office, AA, RAC | £5.50 (Post Office) | Same day |
| Spain | DGT provincial office or RACE | €10 to €15 | Same day |
| Germany | ADAC | €15 | Same day |
| France | Préfecture or ANTAI | €10 to €15 | Varies |
| USA | AAA | $20 | Same day at branch |
| Australia | NRMA / RACQ / RACV | AUD 39 | Same day |
You almost always need to apply in person with your current valid driving licence and a passport-size photo. Online applications (where offered) take longer and may not arrive before your trip.
What happens if you drive without one
In countries where an IDP is required:
- Police can fine you for driving without the required documentation
- The rental company may refuse to hand over the car at pickup — the most common outcome
- If an accident occurs without the required IDP, insurance may be voided
The IDP is cheap and quick to obtain. There is no reason to travel without one to a country that requires it.
Rental company requirements vs legal requirements
Note the distinction: some rental companies require an IDP in countries where local law does not mandate one. This is a contractual requirement, not a legal one. Refusing to provide an IDP at a rental counter that requires one still means you will not get the car.
Always check the rental conditions for your specific booking — the IDP requirement is listed in the “Driver requirements” or “Document requirements” section of the rate details.
For the full document checklist, see car rental requirements.
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